In a stunning twist of fate, the giants of the Basketball Bundesliga, FC Bayern and Alba Berlin, faced unexpected defeats this weekend that sent shockwaves through the league. Defending champions Bayern Munich, under the mentorship of World Champion coach Gordon Herbert, stumbled in a closely contested clash with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg, losing 70-78 after a valiant fight. Meanwhile, runners-up Alba Berlin suffered a more crushing setback, falling 80-97 to the Veolia Towers Hamburg, their momentum faltering as they lost grip in the final moments of the match. The clash on Sunday was a reality check for Bayern, who had only recently claimed victory over the Chemnitz Niners, showcasing a mix of defensive prowess and offensive struggles. Yet, against Ludwigsburg, the air was thick with tension as they converted a mere five out of 27 three-point attempts, compounded by twelve careless turnovers that shifted the tide dramatically. Despite the loss, Bayern’s Niels Giffey shone brightly as the game’s high scorer, delivering 16 points amid the disappointment. Coach Herbert lamented the defensive lapses, particularly in one-on-one situations during the first half, which allowed the opponent far too much freedom to score. He acknowledged Ludwigsburg’s relentless pressure that ultimately dictated the game’s outcome. “The league is tough, and any team can pull off an upset; we must tighten up our defense,” he reflected, grounding his optimistic view in the harsh lessons learned on the court. In contrast, Alba Berlin’s performance was a horror show in the final stretch. Leading at 69-68, they watched in despair as their resolve crumbled, allowing the Towers to run rampant. Player Jonas Mattisseck bemoaned the team’s physical readiness, highlighting their inability to engage in the necessary battle for victory, which led to a staggering 97 points against them. Despite his own efforts, scoring 12 points, he couldn’t outshine Hamburg’s Brae Ivey, who orchestrated a fantastic game with a stellar haul of 22 points. The expected struggles didn’t end there; Chemnitz, the previous season’s playoff contenders and European Cup champions, also found the going tough, succumbing to ratiopharm Ulm 86-90 after their earlier defeat to Bayern. As the league awakens with unexpected results, the Frankfurt Skyliners reign on high as leaders after their decisive 100-72 win over BG Göttingen, a true testament to the unpredictability and thrill of the Bundesliga this season. The winds of change are blowing through German basketball, heralding a season where even the mightiest must tread carefully.
Original Source: www.n-tv.de
